3D Geographical Zone Configuration for Indoor Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current GPS tracking systems lack precision in determining the location of wireless communication devices within multi-story buildings or environments where GPS signals are obstructed, failing to provide accurate three-dimensional mapping and effective area-specific messaging.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing Bluetooth-equipped devices that communicate via a mesh network to determine precise three-dimensional locations within pre-configured geographical zones, allowing for the definition of zones as circles, cylinders, or spheres, and enabling monitoring, control, and messaging based on these locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If GPS tracking systems are used to determine location, then broad geographical tracking is achieved, but precision within multi-story buildings or obstructed environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the tracking space into multiple three-dimensional zones with specific boundaries (circles, cylinders, or spheres defined by waypoints). Each zone is monitored independently, allowing precise location determination within buildings by segmenting the environment into manageable spatial units rather than relying on continuous GPS signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional GPS tracking to three-dimensional zone-based tracking by adding elevation as a third dimension. This enables accurate positioning within multi-story buildings by defining zones with vertical boundaries (cylinders and spheres) that account for floor levels and vertical movement, overcoming GPS limitations in obstructed environments.
2Loss of information
If traditional GPS systems relay information to control centers, then basic location plotting is achieved, but three-dimensional mapping and area-specific messaging capabilities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures multiple three-dimensional zones with specific geometric boundaries (circles, cylinders, spheres) and associates them with different messaging rules and control actions. By establishing these zones in advance, the system can immediately determine which zone a device enters and trigger appropriate area-specific messages without requiring complex real-time analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a zone determination mechanism that acts as an intermediary between GPS coordinate reception and control center communication. The system calculates which pre-defined three-dimensional zone contains the device's current coordinates, then uses this zone information to trigger specific messaging and control actions, enabling both 3D mapping and area-specific functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A method to define a three-dimensional geographical zone that is utilized with a movable entity having at least one attached transponder is disclosed. The method comprises allowing a user to enter at least one waypoint, and loading at least one waypoint on at least one transponder. In one or more embodiments, a waypoint is defined by a geographical coordinate and a radius. The geographical coordinate is represented by a latitude value, a longitude value, and an elevation value. And, the radius is represented by a distance magnitude. In some embodiments, the method further comprises regulating the movable entity by monitoring, controlling, and/or visualizing the movement, non-movement, or position of the movable entity. The transponder determines whether the transponder is located inside the three-dimensional geographical zone by obtaining global positioning coordinates, and calculating whether or not the global positioning coordinates are located inside at least one waypoint.